By: Matthew S. Taylor
Southern Adventist University has long stood apart from many American campuses, including other Christian and Adventist universities, because of its approach to athletics. Instead of investing resources into varsity teams to compete against other universities in intercollegiate leagues, Southern has instead focused on a robust intramural sports program. One of the many purposes of intramurals is expressed on Southern’s website: “The ultimate goal is to give glory to God.” This statement raises an intriguing question: how can a student athlete give glory to God through participating in varsity sports or intramurals?
In 2013, this conversation was thrust onto a national scale when Hall of Fame NFL linebacker Ray Lewis addressed his faith during Media Day before Super Bowl XLVII.
Lewis is far from the only athlete to credit God for the victories. When receiving the award for Most Valuable Player in the NBA in 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo thanked God for “blessing me with this amazing talent” and shared, “Everything I do, I do through Him. I’m extremely blessed.”
This sentiment can also be found on an international scale, as Olympian gymnast Simone Biles likewise credited God with her success. During an interview with Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), she shared, “I believe God gives every individual something special, and mine was talent. So, never take it for granted.”
Perhaps you’re wondering, What does the Bible say about sports and competition? The New Testament contains several references to athletic imagery. Paul compares the Christian life to running a “race” in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV and again in 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV, demonstrating how familiar he was with the athletic culture of his time. He uses these metaphors to emphasize discipline and perseverance. At the same time, Scripture warns against unhealthy ambition. Philippians 2:3 NIV says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
In 1988, the General Conference Executive Committee discussed the Adventist Church’s stance on competitive sports. One of the first major conclusions this committee reached was that “Christians should function with the highest motives in their quest for athletic excellence,” encouraging believers to pursue sports with integrity and purpose. While supportive of friendly games, the committee expressed concern about varsity athletics and interschool league play, cautioning that “the inherent hazards of competitive rivalry have the potential to be exaggerated.”
The conversation about Christianity’s role in sports is both complex and meaningful. Scripture reminds believers not to take pride in their own accomplishments but, instead, to give glory to God in every area of life, which is a principle echoed by many athletes on the world stage. At the same time, the Adventist Church has cautioned against the dangers of rivalry and division that can emerge in competitive settings, while affirming the value of fellowship and recreation through intramurals. Southern Adventist University’s approach reflects both biblical counsel and the General Conference stance, offering students a way to enjoy athletics while keeping their ultimate focus on Christ.
